The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
A beseecher besought the visitation of chastisement, 1 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 by which the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him in one Day which will last for fifty thousand years. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 Surely they think it to be far off, 6 but We see it near. 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 And not a friend shall ask a friend, 10 Though they shall be made to see one another [(i.e. on the Day of Resurrection), there will be none but see his father, children and relatives, but he will neither speak to them nor will ask them for any help)], - the Mujrim, (criminal, sinner, disbeliever, etc.) would desire to ransom himself from the punishment of that Day by his children. 11 And his wife and his brother 12 And his nearest kindred who shelter him 13 and all those on earth. 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 snatching away the scalp, 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 When evil touches him, impatient, 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgement, 26 who are afraid of the torment of their Lord, 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 who guard their privates 29 Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed - 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 and those who fulfil their trusts and their covenants, 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 Those are highly honored in the Gardens. 35